Groups serving food need state license

VW County Health Dept. news

The Van Wert County Health Department would like to remind the public that Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3717 says that no person or government entity shall operate a food service operation without a license, unless found to be exempt as determined by the Health Department according to state law.

Any person wanting to sell food to the public who does not have a permanent or mobile food license must obtain a temporary food service operation license, unless otherwise noted. Fairs, festivals, and social gatherings for the public are examples of events at which food may be sold that may require a license.  The cost of this license is $45 per event. This fee covers review of the application, education, licensing, and inspection.

To obtain an application, contact Britt Menchhofer at the Van Wert County Health Department at 419.238.0808, extension 105, or visit the Health Department at 1179 Westwood Drive, Suite 300 in Van Wert.

The application is also available on the Health Department website at www.vanwertcountyhealth.org under the Environmental Division and “Food Service Operations/Retail Food Establishments”.

The application must be turned in at least seven days prior to the event.